The First Call Running Club is dedicated to promoting good health through distance running.
Our events are low key, designed for those who are fairly self sufficient. There are water/Gatorade stops along the way, where you can refill your bottle (no cups on the course). There is food at the start/finish area provided by the club and by potluck donation.
There is no cost run. Donations are appreciated, and these keep our runs going. Donations are used to pay for event costs, ie permits, insurance, food, supplies, improvements for future races etc. Left over funds are donated to charity.
We are a chartered group of the RRCA. Annual Dues (donation) of $25 is requested for club membership.

The First Call Spring Marathon on Saturday, May 21, 2011, was my 8th First Call Marathon since I ran my first one on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2009. This double out-and-back marathon started at the Bothell Landing Park and followed the Sammamish River paved trail toward, but not reaching, the city of Redmond. Interstate 405, the town of Woodinville and the Red Hook Brewery were passed on the way to a 6.55-mile turnaround.

The participants then retraced those steps back to the Landing to complete a half marathon and enjoy hot food that awaited them. The second half of the marathon was an exact replica of the first half, including the hot food that was most welcome.

I had been familiar with this pastoral trail after twenty years of running events on it. Falls to Gasworks, Seattle Marathon and Super Jock ‘n Jill Half Marathon events had me running on this trail at least once a year. Now the First Call marathons continue the tradition for me.

Running/walking slower as the years pass is inevitable, so I appreciate the opportunity that Race Director Adrian Call gave me for taking an “early-early” start. I had taken the regular and early starts in the past, but on May 21st I was able to leave at 6:00 a.m., an hour ahead of the “early” starters and two hours ahead of the “regular” starters.

Daylight had arrived when I crossed the pedestrian bridge to the river trail. The temperature was 50 degrees, and the sky was overcast with light rain falling. I walked for a mile, crossed another bridge and ran a few steps. My sciatica problem appeared again, so I resigned myself to a long, slow walk. The rain stopped, and it was pleasant as I walked alone and watched eight Cottontail Rabbits, a Great Blue Heron, small numbers of Canada Geese, Mallards and other small birds. Most of the wildlife were on the wet trail. Earthworms, Black Slugs, Yellow Snails and Banded Snails were common.

The first person I met was Diana “Slug” Robinson who was walking another marathon. She’s doing well as her broken leg heals! After I walked alone for several hours, the “early” start runners began to pass me, and later the “regular” starters passed by, too. It was good to see these friendly runners: May Cheng, Rich Menzel, Cyndie Merten, Monte Pascual, Mel Preedy, Marie Zorne and others.

In the last few miles I visited with Gary Otheim and Laura Johnson. Because of sore hamstrings, both of them were walking, but they were soon out of sight.

I finished in 7:37:00, last of the marathon field of 31. I was given a finishers medal that was provided by Steve Walters. I enjoyed the hot soup, cheese melt toast and chocolate milk that awaited me after I finished and headed for a bench to rest.

Thanks to Adrian Call and his volunteers for putting on another good race. I look forward to the next one on August 6, 2011.